It is all too easy to take your roof for granted, as it silently protects your building from the elements. But, unfortunately, it is also easy to underestimate the importance of something you rarely pay much attention to. Until a leak or other evidence of roof damage or deterioration grabs your attention, most business owners and property managers don’t think much about commercial roof repair.
Performing due diligence is undoubtedly important in many aspects of your business and is particularly vital when you need a commercial roof repair or replacement. The right contractor can be the difference between a project that goes smoothly and one that deteriorates into a nightmare.
How To Manage A Commercial Roof Repair or Replacement
When you are considering a commercial roof repair or replacement, what are the first steps to take? We recommend completing the steps below to ensure your roofing project goes smoothly from start to finish.
Find A Reputable Roofing Contractor
The first step in the process is to determine who performs commercial roof repair and replacement in your area. We recommend developing a list of roofing contractors that you are considering. It is often helpful to ask for referrals from friends, business associates, fellow members of trade groups, or local organizations. Generally, we recommend compiling a list of three to five contractors to review.
Read Reviews and Testimonials
Once you’ve selected the contractors you are interested in for your commercial roof repair project, you should check out their reviews and testimonials online. A reputable roofing contractor will have strong, consistent ratings on Google, Angie’s List, and other online review platforms. In addition, a selection of testimonials and references from prior commercial roof repairs and replacements that you can contact or read is another sign of a quality roofing company.
Meet with Potential Roofers
Once you’ve vetted the reviews and are ready to begin soliciting bids for your project, you should reach out to the contractors and schedule meetings with them to view your building and become familiar with the unique features of your roof. These visits will allow the contractor to prepare an accurate proposal for your commercial roof repair or replacement, which prevents most surprise increases and change orders during the project.
Learn About the Types of Commercial Roofs
There are various commercial roofing materials, from single-layer PVC or TPO roofing to EPDM and even Solar roofs, which can save you money on electricity. Different contractors may propose different types of roofing for your commercial roof repair or replacement, so it is important to familiarize yourself with the basics of each type.
Compare the Proposals
Once you’ve met with the different roofers you are considering and received their proposals, it is important to compare apples to apples. Some may be suggesting a standardized solution, while others may offer a more customized approach. Additionally, review any warranties or guarantees that the contractor or manufacturer offers that could sway your decision.
Sign the Contract and Prepare for the Project
Once you’ve compared the proposals and chosen your preferred contractor, contact them to finalize the contract and review any details and scheduling. Once the ink is dry, you should begin planning for your building for the commercial roof repair or replacement. Each contractor will have different recommendations on what you should do to prepare, and we always recommend following their suggestions for a smooth project.
After the Work is Done
Once your commercial roof repair or replacement is complete, ensure that you receive a copy of the manufacturer’s and contractor’s warranty and discuss regular commercial roof maintenance with the contractor. Regular maintenance is key to ensuring your roof protects your business for many years to come.
How to Compare Commercial Roofing Contractors
Generally, commercial roofing repairs and replacements are reasonably straightforward. However, when it comes to diagnosing and solving roofing issues, contractors can vary widely. Therefore, a building owner or manager needs to research before beginning a roofing project, whether it is a commercial roof repair or a full commercial roof replacement.
A diligent search for a top-rated roofing contractor will not only help with immediate repairs or replacement needs but will also pay off in the future when other issues arise. Your selected roofer will resolve your current problem, and you’ll have someone you can confidently turn to for all of your future roofing needs, including periodic inspections and emergency repairs.
Comparing Contractors
When comparing commercial roofers, there are several factors to consider, including:
- Years of experience
- Demonstrated knowledge and expertise
- Manufacturer certifications and awards
- Quality of materials used
- Proper insurance and licensing
Experience and Expert Inspections
Experience is vital in commercial roofing because no two roofs are the same. From the variety of vents and protrusions to overhanging trees and more, an experienced commercial roofer will know what is best for your unique situation.
You need a certified roof inspector with a keen eye for drainage problems, seam failures, long-term deterioration and recent storm damage. Wherever there is a breach, water typically finds a way to intrude. Therefore, prompt diagnosis will often reduce costs and possibly prolong the lifespan of your roof.
Also, with some roofing contractors, the owners are involved in the day-to-day operations. However, some owners keep daily activities at arm’s length. Should an issue arise, disengaged owners may leave key decisions to subordinates, resulting in errors or misunderstandings. A hands-on owner surrounded by a capable and highly experienced team is a key to customer service you can count on.
Certifications and Warranties
Top commercial roofing manufacturers like Carlisle SynTec offer warranties on their roofing systems. You’ll typically qualify for the best warranty when you have a manufacturer-certified roofer or authorized contractor do the work. Manufacturers rely on these roofing contractors to complete proper installations to reduce their long-term warranty exposure.
Since warranty coverage varies from one manufacturer to another and from one contractor to another, it is important to always have a thorough discussion with your roofing contractor so you can select a warranty option that is best for your situation.
Liability Insurance
As a commercial real estate owner or developer, you have legitimate concerns about the liability insurance carried by the contractors you hire. State minimums may prove inadequate coverage under certain circumstances.
Although such situations are infrequent, you want the peace of mind that comes with working with well-insured contractors. While many roofing contractors serving Bergen County, NJ, CT, and PA maintain $1 million liability insurance policies, CRS has more than 10 times that amount to ensure any issue that may arise is covered.
Done Once, Done Right
While commercial roof repair and replacements are often a significant investment, it is important to consider what they protect and how long they protect it. The value of the structure your roof protects may be valued in the hundreds of thousands or even millions of dollars.
Every day, the company or companies operating on your site do significant amounts of business. Leaks or roof failures may lead to costly interruptions in operations. Ultimately, a commercial roof repair or replacement needs to be timely, and it needs to be done right the first time.
It’s All About Relationships
At CRS, we make every effort to focus on exemplary customer service, which is why our ownership is involved in our day-to-day operations. Additionally, we have a great commercial service representative dedicated to top-notch customer service to ensure that your needs are met.
Our goal is to establish a long-term business relationship with every commercial client. We want you to rest easy knowing that we’ll be there when you need us for routine maintenance and cleaning, emergency commercial roof repairs and new customized roofing systems.
CRS has served commercial clients for more than 40 years. When it comes to your roofing, you shouldn’t settle for a one-size-fits-all approach. We’d welcome the opportunity to learn more about your needs. Please contact us to arrange a visit by our certified commercial roofing inspector.
